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I appreciate so many of you participating in the open forums and providing online feedback as we explore an Academic Excellence and Student Success Fee for Cal State San Marcos. I am asking you to complete the process by providing your voice at one of the upcoming forums.

There were clear themes that emerged from the earlier conversations:

You want more specifics about how a fee would be used.

You want additional class sections that you need to graduate.

Academic support is important.

The fee discussed is too high.

You spoke – we listened. I hope that you will help inform my final decision by participating in one of these open forums listed below, at which we will present a proposal to you that I believe responds to your input. You will have the opportunity to hear specifics on how a fee would be used, which would include more course sections, more academic support and recreation opportunities, and a lower fee than was previously modeled. We need to hear your voice because, if implemented, this has to be YOUR student success fee and we want to hear your voice.

The fact is that the ability to provide the quality educational experience you deserve is at risk. As a result of budget cuts, course sections have been reduced, unit limits have been put in place, and there are fewer academic options, less support services and fewer resources. The passage of Proposition 30 in November avoided a $5.4 million cut to CSUSM but it resulted in $4.1 million in tuition refunds. CSUSM’s budget is still $18 million less in state appropriations than it was in 2008.

A student success fee recognizes the need to assure affordability and quality – anything funded by the fee must make a demonstrable difference toward student progress and success. As has been proven by other CSU campuses that have already implemented a student success fee, this fee will preserve the quality of your education and strengthen the future value of your Cal State San Marcos degree. Fee revenues are maintained and controlled locally; a committee made up of a majority of student members makes any future allocation recommendations annually.

Forums have been scheduled during University Hour, on alternate days and an evening to accommodate various students’ schedules. I hope that you can attend one of these forums so that your voice can be heard: